spring 2010 - Peninsula School
Transcription
spring 2010 - Peninsula School
P E N I N S U L A S News C H O O L Notes spring 2010 A LET TER FROM KAT Y As part of the Strategic Planning effort, the Peninsula School community identified six strategic focus areas. One of those areas, Preparing our Students for a Diverse World, has sparked many conversations among the staff and in the community. In addition to regular meetings of the Diversity Committee, which have been held throughout the year, two important Diversity events took place this year. First, the staff devoted half a day to thinking deeply and talking about diversity at our March Inservice. Second, the entire community was invited to a Diversity World Café on April 1st. Lori Lewis facilitated both events. The conversations have served to bring us together to discuss something that by definition has the potential to divide and separate us. We have started these conversations by asking ourselves what diversity means to us as individuals and as a school. Just as in problem solving in a class meeting, it is important to spend time asking ourselves these questions. These critical questions serve to bring us together to view diversity with a common lens, not to demand that everyone must think the same way or view things by one standard. We have also begun to look at the links between Progressive Education, Peninsula’s values, goals and strategic focuses. We all agree that the kids provide the links and connections to all efforts and activities. It is also important to remember that although the children may be present in our community for their nursery through 8th grade years, they will move on to other educational and social environments after they leave Peninsula. What we do at Peninsula will prepare and affect them throughout their lives beyond Continued on page 5 P ROT E C T I N G P E N I N S U LA’ S PRICELESS PER S O NA L T I M E by David Garvin DEAR READERS This issue of News Notes is my last. After 48 years working at Peninsula School, I’ve decided to step away and engage in other areas and pursuits. I will think about my years here As a child growing up in the 1950s, my environment and experiences contrast sharply with those of today’s children. We did not have a television or a computer, and our one telephone was confined to the house and connected to a party line. Its only application was to talk to someone (when the phone was not in use by neighbors). Florrie Forrest Our obligations were to attend school, complete homework and do assigned chores. These were the only adult-organized or supervised activities we knew. It was up to us to devise activities during personal times of freedom. And devise we did. With chores completed, neighborhood kids of mixed ages and genders would explore the woods, play in creeks, swing on “tarzan and the friends, colleagues, children and parents who made my life so rich. I will still live in the area and will always feel connected to this unique community, attending events and accompanying the chorus. The rewards of teaching at this school were beyond what I could have hoped for when I was a college student heading for a career in education. They didn’t tell us about schools like Peninsula. Archival work and publishing News Notes were new directions I assumed in 2000 after retiring from classroom teaching. I missed the kids, but learned a lot about using a computer, mostly because my cohorts Continued on page 2 Continued on page 5 David Garvin PENINSULA SCHOOL · SPRING 2010 GARVIN Continued from page 1 vines,” frolic in snow and organize games in undeveloped fields. These activities were limited only by our own creativity, ingenuity and organizational skills. We established roles, rules, goals and teams with much debate and diplomacy. Settling arguments and making compromises were crucial for us to continue to play. In order to make it work, we learned about making decisions, choices, problemsolving and conflict resolution. We learned about each other and ourselves and how to develop relationships. Through trial and error we learned how to understand and navigate our way through our own world. Tolerance, friendship, fairness, flexibility, cooperation and competition all flourished in parallel with our own progress through the natural stages of child development. All of this was accomplished without adult interference with, or influence over, the important processes we needed to work through by ourselves. Supervision, such as it was, came in the form of the safety net of living in a town where everyone knew or knew about everyone. As we passed through neighborhoods on our way to our adventures, someone was almost always home and looking out for us, usually moms at home with babies and toddlers or grandmas peeking through the windows or watching from porches. “Hey, ain’t you’ns one’a dem Garvin boys?” “Yes, ma’am!” A kid could knock on any door to find help if she/he needed it. We knew which houses left out garden hoses for a refreshing squirt or a drink for shoeless, shorts-clad, dirty, sunburned, happy boys and girls. Fast forward to the busy, fearful world of our twenty-first century. In most families, both parents are working and many are divorced. Grandparents, or aunts and uncles are living far away, traveling, or are in retirement homes. The media stokes parental fears: Will my child be left behind academically or socially? Will my child be abducted and vanish altogether? Levels of concern and worry are kept artificially high. In order to secure the future for and protect today’s children, evenings, weekends and vacations are often filled with “safe” and “enriching” activities, all supervised by adults. We LIFE AT PENINSULA SCHOOL 1941-46 by Bill Nichols, ‘48 In fall 1941, I entered Peninsula School in second grade; it was in the corner building by the driveway entrance [now housing Josie’s kindergarten]. There was a heavy growth of bushes in that corner which made for great forts and secret hiding places. The main attraction in the play yard was a double gang swing, surely unsafe by today’s standards, but I don’t recall anyone ever getting hit by it. Frequently, there was a “boy” swing and a “girl” swing going simultaneously. We boys would shout imprecations at the girls; when they complained to the teacher, she got us off to the side and suggested that we switch to calling out to the girls “look at the senoritas.” We thought this was really cool, putting the girls in their place—of course none of us knew any Spanish, so we had no idea that we had been manipulated. Three long time friends, John Stewart, Pete Brink and Lada Sobieski, were classmates through much of my stay at Peninsula. Pete’s always know where the children are: tutors, sports, scouts, music, dance, clubs and school. Home provides the sedentary safety of television, movies and computers. As I reflect on these different times and worlds, I am reminded why I provide so much non-structured time for my Peninsula students. Outside of school so many of their lives are filled with participation in hustle bustle schedules. I want to preserve for them a time and space that is uniquely their own. Personal time is precious. Parents value their personal time in the evening when the kids are in bed, the dishes are washed, the computer is off and the phone stops ringing. At Peninsula, students’ personal time provides the opportunity to participate, free from adult manipulation, in vital experiences while learning to depend on their peers and on themselves. My students make good use of this time in valuable ways such as helping each other climb to the tree house, playing dark tag in the basement corridor, creating group games with the rope swing, building forts in the bushes -2- Bill Nichols mother, Marion, was the clay shop teacher and it served as a great social center—I even made a few clay dishes as I polished my social skills. I recall great presidential political discussions among the four of us at lunch in 1944 with Pete and John backing Dewey, and Lada and I firmly behind FDR. One favorite activity was circumnavigating the Big Building on the narrow ledge at the first floor level; it was fairly easy until one got to the space facing the woodshop where Continued on page 5 and on (and in) the grounds, creating original games in the fields, studying and scheming in our back room, choosing to attend an activity studio, wandering the grounds, having an intense conversation or daydreaming, or simply being together. When adults do it, we call it “networking;” to the children, it is “hanging out,” and yes, it is their work. And as was true in the town where I grew up, Peninsula children know that they, too, can knock on any door and come to any teacher or staff person for help if they need it. That is their safety net. I am extremely protective of my students’ personal time. Its value is immense, particularly when so many external pressures are at work to lessen the experience of childhood. It is important for children to learn how to move through our world, but that does not hold a candle to the importance of learning to navigate through their own world. The culture of my youth is long gone, yet at Peninsula, we must continue to preserve the space and time for the development of whole and healthy children. PENINSULA SCHOOL · SPRING 2010 THE ROPE S WING BRANCH by Sarah Congress, ‘96 Last fall I received the news like an obituary: a windy storm had spun over the Pacific Coast Range and taken down our rope swing branch. That old live oak at my childhood school had carried hundreds of us in swings across an ebbing mud puddle before finally giving out and releasing the most crucial limb into the dirty water. Fifteen years have passed since I spent so many hours under that tree. Back then, whole days centered around the time my friends and I spent swinging. I can’t help but wonder why that time felt so much closer when I knew that massive branch still stretched up and out above the worn bowl in the dirt. When I heard the news, I felt a sense of loss that a source of my confidence and my definition of freedom now lay about the school in shredded wood chips. I was not alone. Within a few days of the storm, emails of disbelief began to circulate among my old classmates. We couldn’t imagine that spot without that branch, a branch we probably hadn’t thought about twice in a decade. During all those years I suppose, subconsciously, we must all have Sarah Congress been comforted in knowing that that rope was always there if we needed it, lifting new kids’ stubby legs and arms in ecstasy, and keeping our old scattered memories anchored through time. The old white rope had a tail like a paintbrush that dipped into muddy brown as it swung over a large winter puddle. The swing was dotted with knots tightened by twenty years of small greasy hands, rubber rain boots and the grip of calloused heels and toes. Our massive live oak tree had chosen to lean away from the water, but reached a generous branch out over the muddy basin to hold our swing. Peninsula School kids are among the luckiest in the world, and even then we knew it; our school considered time spent on the rope swing, skimming our heels across mud puddles, part of our education. With each of our orbits and sways, the Rope swings forever! oak would tremble, from my more conservative out-and-back, to the swoop of the muddy boys as they dragged their navy-blue sweats and tie-dyed shirts deep enough through the puddle to wet the tips of rattails. Sometimes I did not swing, but simply enjoyed the cadence as the ruched brown skin of the branch adjusted to the pull of the rope; I would close my eyes to listen to the moan of the venerable oak as the leaves rustled against each other and I pictured myself flying. When I think of Peninsula School, I remember climbing logs, running up crooked staircases for tag and playing “sock wars” on gym mats with balled-up socks. There were countless places to swing like a monkey. Some days we spent our lunch hour edging around on the outdoor molding or sliding down the indoor banisters of a well-loved white Victorian mansion, the Big Building. It was the center of our school, with old parlors and bedrooms converted into high-ceiling arts spaces and offices, and six-acres of land speckled by oak trees and a village of small wooden cottages that served as classrooms. The best way to get around the school was to run, sometimes through the Big Building -3- itself, or splashing through puddles, under rustling trees, across our private world nestled in a San Francisco Bay Area suburb. We were taught—and encouraged to teach ourselves— by generous free spirits who believed in alternative education and in taking us on biannual camping trips throughout Northern California. We had freedom and experience that few kids know, and sometimes just trying to nail down an explanation of what made Peninsula School special feels like doing the experience a disservice. But unmistakably, that rope swing represented the spirit of the place. Even with nearly a decade gone since I have seen them, I still know the details of two launching stumps just as well as I know the constellations of freckles and moles that mark my own pale skin. The grain around the edges of the lower stump has been smoothed over and looks like the tines of a wide-toothed comb. I can see the crooked boards that were nailed into the oak as a ladder just as easily as I now see my hand brush across the blue merle of my dog’s coat. My muscles would tense up as I prepared to launch myself out over the puddle and they would begin to relax as my lifted chin cut a path through the air. The upper stump stands in my memory nearly ten feet tall, but I am sure if I were to return, I would find it reaching barely over three. When I think of that taller platform, I still worry that I might drop too fast, that I might not clear the lower stump that stands in my way, or that I might swing out of control. I remember why I always chose the safest way to launch myself. Why do I need to remember a rope and a tree with so much apprehension Continued on page 5 PENINSULA SCHOOL · SPRING 2010 I ♥ PENINSULA by Sarah Caplan, ‘80 The six years I spent at Peninsula were the most magical of my childhood. As a child I was very shy, and fearing I would be “eaten alive” at public school, my mother was very grateful to find Peninsula. From Maida’s kindergarten class through Pat and Pack’s 5th grade, I cannot remember a single day that I didn’t love school. Florrie, Elizabeth, Woody, Betsy, Dotty, Billie and Zack, Barney, Paula... they were all remarkable, and I cherish the lessons (in both school and life) they taught me. My sensitive, solitary nature was accepted at Peninsula and I was gently encouraged to expand and challenge myself. The non-structured, free time in the school day was a very important learning time for me. I remember being alone on the twisty slide one day thinking that if I slid down very slowly, I might see things I had never seen before. As it happens, I saw something shining in the leaves which turned out to be an antique tanning knife with a curved blade—and how cool that I was allowed to take it home after no one claimed it! The next day I tried the experiment again and discovered some beautiful Monarch butterfly cocoons under the slide. For me, an important part of learning is the time it takes to process or digest information. As a child, I loved being alone, just thinking. One of the few precious Sarah Caplan in 1975 photos I have of my time at Peninsula shows me leaning against a post outside Florrie and Elizabeth’s. It could look like I’m being punished, or that I’m displaying abnormal or anti-social behavior, but in the Peninsula context it’s a happy kid in a moment of reflection. I’m so glad someone took that photo because it shows that I was allowed to be myself, and be comfortable doing it. Peninsula gave us the freedom to be who we were without being judged or made to feel self-conscious. In the 1970s, Peninsula reflected the times in that it was particularly free and experimental. We had extended field trips (the hike to the beach), openly gay teachers, and many parents were assistant teachers. We had some unique experiences that I’m not sure would happen today. For example, on a class trip to Elizabeth Seward’s ranch, someone found a rattlesnake near us in the grass and instead of shooing the kids away to safety, our teacher Michael grabbed a shovel, chopped the snake’s head off and then we grilled it and ate it for lunch! And for a lesson in measuring, the same (very trusting) Michael handed out rulers and scissors, explained what an inch was, and had us cut his hair. I remember feeling particularly empowered when the administration included us kids in its decision-making process. When Disney filmed “Escape to Witch Mountain” in 1974 and paid the school for location use, the students were given a list of possible items to spend the money on. (The list included getting new gym mats and re-hiring our beloved P. E. teacher, Carol Jones, whom we couldn’t afford to keep on. Needless to say, Carol was hired back.) And when the Big Building needed to be painted, Barney conducted a schoolwide vote on the color. We were shown a few swatches, all of which were horribly dull from a child’s point of view, except a sparkly bright blue, which was the winner. The reason the Big Building isn’t sparkly blue today is because Barney patiently explained to us that while the blue looked nice as a small swatch, covering the whole building with it could be overwhelming. We all agreed to go with the second-most popular color—the one we have today. Who knows, perhaps Barney and the administration were already leaning towards an outcome behind the scenes, but these exercises in participation made me feel engaged in the larger decisions of the school, connected to my community, empowered, and honored to be a part of something bigger. My mother, Maxine Auerbach, was a huge fan of Peninsula. As a single parent, she had received a great deal of support and childrearing wisdom from the teachers, and she had -4- SHARE YOUR LUNCH For many years various classes at Peninsula have participated in community outreach. The inspiration for it began with Josephine Duveneck who expressed her belief that a progressive education should “deepen and intensify the sense of social responsibility and social fellowship.” For the last three years, Josie’s (K–1) and Rebecca’s (5th) have collaborated Josie Saracino & Rebecca Reynolds in running an all-school “Share Your Lunch” drive during the last weeks of school to support the Second Harvest Food Bank. Besides the internal benefits of these two different age groups working collaboratively, each learning about unequal food distribution and related social justice issues, this program of “kids helping kids” raises money and food donations for children who would otherwise be cut off from public assistance meals during the summer months. The drives have been very successful, a testament to the energy of the students and the generosity of our families. The students have been proud to earn a Silver Certificate from the food bank each year, an unusual achievement for a school our size. a wonderful year assisting in Betsy’s 3rd grade. Just a day or two before she died in 1995, she made me and my sister Jackie promise to always send money to Peninsula, as she had done for the eighteen years since we had left. As I grew up, there was always a vague notion in the back of my mind that my kids would go to Peninsula. This proved a bit tricky when I met my husband, Russell, in New York City and we started our family there. But as we began looking at schools, it reinforced our feeling that Peninsula was the place for us. In 2003, we made the big move so our boys, Mischa and Angus, could attend. It’s wonderful to watch our boys blossom within the warm, loving embrace of Peninsula. PENINSULA SCHOOL · SPRING 2010 BILL NICHOLS Continued from page 2 there was no handhold; we used to time each other and I recall that Lada frequently led the pack—ah, women! In those days, there was a cafeteria in the basement of the Big Building where we ate lunch—at least until one day when there was a small fire in the kitchen. After the fire marshall viewed the scene, he threatened to close off the Big Building until it was made fire safe, which meant several arduous weekends of parent work parties clearing out the basement and installing fire equipment. I recall when John Stewart and I “manned” the soft drink concession, and surreptitiously sampled from our inventory. Theatrical performances included Pirates of Penzance, where, lucky me, in my pirate role, I got to hold hands with a girl two years older than I (thrill!). We did Pinafore the following year, but it wasn’t quite the same. Sports included Prisoners’ Base, kickball and football, as well as lots of made up “chase” games. The highlight of my Peninsula athletic career was when our 6th grade softball team beat the 7th graders (they were such wimps!) We were introduced to ballroom dancing practice in 6th grade—a bit of a challenge since our class consisted of 11 boys and only 3 girls, one of whom drew most all of our attention. So Ruth Schwartz, our teacher, would fill in, much to the delight of one of the boys who had a secret crush on her. Because of wartime gas restrictions we didn’t do much in the way of field trips, but we did have occasional outings hosted by the Duveneck family at Hidden Villa Ranch. Our 6th grade year-end party was a sleepover camping trip there. I loved the educational environment at Peninsula—lots of freedom to pursue one’s own interests; encouragement to challenge authority; to think for myself. These are traits I developed there which have served me well in adult life. I’ve maintained some exposure to the school in later life, mainly relating through my mother, Woody, who taught off and on there starting in 1931 and finally “retiring” at age 89 in 1997 and through early age attendance by my own three children and later, a grandson. A GLIMPSE OF P E N I N S U LA’ S FIRST YEARS A surprise visitor attended the Spring Fair this May. Ransom Rideout came with his son from Santa Cruz to check out the scene at Peninsula School. He was a six-year-old boy in 1927 when his brother, Ernest, was enrolled and his mother, Mrs. Rideout, taught in the kindergarten. Ransom has fond memories of playing with another young boy, Cutler Webster; “we had great fun throwing mud balls at each other.” In later life, Ransom Ransom Rideout became an educator, and at one time was the principal of a Redwood City elementary school. In that capacity, he visited Peninsula to talk with Directors here. In World War II, Ransom was a Flying Tiger. He flew over China, was shot down, captured, and then escaped. His account of this story, “The Day the Luck Ran Out,” was published a few years ago in Flying Journal. Ransom was charmed by his visit to Peninsula School and impressed by its evolution as an institution. ROPE SWING Continued from page 3 and longing? Perhaps because this tree gave me my Peninsula School eyes, and these eyes are the lens through which I have seen everything since. In fifth grade my classmates and I formed a rope swing routine because it seemed the best way to spend the time. Most of the kids from our class of twenty would run straight to the rope at recess or lunch, eat sack lunches while sitting on stumps, and when the weather was warm we’d pull weeds out with our toes while we waited our turn. We left that swing only when the teacher rang the cowbell to call us back to class. On days when there was a larger group, we would form a line and play our version of horse. I was usually behind my best friend, Vanessa, starting to climb the -5- FLORRIE Continued from page 1 in administration were helpful and fun to be with. Uppermost in rewards, as archivist, was the contact with our early alumni, people now in their 70’s, 80’s and 90’s whose experience of Peninsula—via letters, visits, phone conversations—reflect our current strong feelings of admiration and love for this school. Thank you, my dear friends, for the moments and years of happy association; thank you, Peninsula School, for harboring this grateful member of your community. —Florrie KATY Continued from page 1 their Peninsula School experience. The Diversity Committee, headed by Eliza Thomas, anticipates reviewing the ideas and thoughts generated during our meetings and planning work for the coming year. When you hear about our future activities or the next community meeting, please make it a priority to attend. The Inservice Day and the Café evening closed with people sharing one word that described how they felt. Some of the words and feelings that they shared included: Victory. Challenged. Curious. Excited. Engaged. Understood. Surprised. lower stump as she caught a big swing out and catapulted herself from the end of the rope. I nervously awaited the rope’s return and then frantically latched on in hopes of skirting the thirteen-foot mud puddle and landing safely on the other side. When the puddle was dry, I would climb the knots, lock my ankles and clench my thighs around the rope. Vanessa would run the rim of the basin dragging the tail until I was whirling in circles, and if I were feeling brave I would release my hands and hang upside-down, spinning until I was queasy. This was absolute freedom. That swing gave me control, even in my own safe way, and I didn’t need anyone’s permission to hoist myself from knot to knot, to feel the wind lift my hair and to feel the strength of that oak branch as it lifted me up and carried me safely across the muddy water. PENINSULA SCHOOL · SPRING 2010 IN MEMORIAM Francis Duveneck, Jr. Francis Duveneck, Jr., class of 1931, and the son of Josephine and Frank Duveneck, died December 13, 2009 in Monterey, California at the age of 93. Francis graduated from the Thacher School in Ojai, Columbia Teacher’s College in New York, and Stanford. As a Quaker with a young family, he was a conscientious objector in World War II. He was a guidance counselor at Seaside High School, and a carpenter who built many individual homes in Monterey County, including the one Francis Duveneck in which his family resided. His hobbies included hiking, camping, fishing, antique automobiles, poetry, reading, singing and making music. Francis is survived by his sister, Hope; his sons, Peter (’57) and David (61); and nine grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Marty Marcus Marty Marcus, former Peninsula School teacher, died in early January 2010. Marty started out as a 5th and 6th Grade teacher in the early 1960’s, then became the school’s Science teacher for all grades. As Science teacher he helped organize innumerable field trips, especially to go tide pooling along the coast, and went on many class camping trips as far away as Baja California, usually driving the school bus. He was an expert at Marty Marcus reusing/re-purposing materials long before recycling was a household word. Marty left Peninsula around 1970 to work for the Los Altos School District, both as a teacher and district-wide science and energy-management consultant. While there he developed a special interest in herpetology (turtles, snakes, and lizards), and when he retired from the district, he and Ann Waldo, also a former Peninsula parent and Los Altos teacher, partnered to form “Reptile RoundUp”—touring the western states doing hands-on educational presentations at schools, libraries, fairs and festivals, dispelling myths and fears about these interesting animals. He often came back to Peninsula for Learning Fairs and similar events. Marty is survived by his wife Dee, sons Paul (’67), Greg (’69), and Norman (’70). Ed Parker Ed Parker, the maintenance person at Peninsula School from 1978-1986, died on January 8, 2010, a few months shy of his 75th birthday. Ed was a true westerner, having grown up on ranches and in mining camps throughout Washington, Arizona, and Mexico. His fondest childhood memories were of leaving Ed Parker home before sunrise and spending all day exploring the desert with his pack of dogs and his hunting rifle. Resourcefulness and a love of the natural world were qualities Ed shared with young people during his time at Peninsula. He is survived by his daughter, Becky (class of ’86), and by his friend and former wife, Lorraine. Bernard Silber, MD, FACP Bernard Silber, MD, of Atherton and Palo Alto, died March 20, 2010, at age 98. He practiced Internal Medicine and Cardiology in Redwood City, and at Sequoia Hospital and Stanford University Medical Center. In addition to being a dedicated physician who made house calls, Bernard was an expert calligrapher, a student of etymology and several languages--including Yiddish, his first language. He met his wife of 64 years, Bernice Garrett Silber, a medical social worker, while -6- completing his medical residency at L.A. County Hospital. After the war Dr. Silber, along with four medical colleagues, opened the Sequoia Medical Group in Redwood City. Early on he became interested in the relationship of diet, exercise, and smoking to heart disease. Indeed, it was the desire to live a healthy lifestyle that led Bernard Silber, MD Bernard and Bernice to begin swimming competitively at age 60, when they joined the Rinconada Masters Swim Team in Palo Alto, winning many medals at swim meets. They swam with the group for 30 years, Survivors include daughters Jenny Silber Butah (’59) of Watsonville, Katy Silber (’61) of Berkeley and son Marc Silber (’65) of Menlo Park, 11 grandchildren and a large extended family. A LU M N I N OT E S Dean Davis, ‘60 503.540.3270 / [email protected] It is hard to believe that it has been 50 years since the Peninsula days back in the late 50’s. Even though I attended for only a short period of time it has had a huge impact on my life as an adult. My teacher (Ed Cormack) encouraged me to think out of the box and was always supportive. In the classroom, we had a chart on the wall for writing projects. One of them was Death Valley; I asked him what was meant. His response was to figure it out, write up something. What I did was to assist in a week- long field trip to Death Valley with the class. What a wonderful time we had; I still enjoy telling stories. In fact several years, ago my wife and I made a short trip through Death Valley, stopped at Scotties Castle and many memories re-surfaced. My only regret is that I have not kept in touch with any of my fellow class mates. After Peninsula I went on to public school PENINSULA SCHOOL · SPRING 2010 in Palo Alto and during the summer between the 11th and 12th grades, my parents decided to move to South America (Peru). I went to school for a short time and came back, joined the Navy, had a family and got older. It is hard to imagine that I am now looking at retirement 50 years later. Nancy Abrams Eilbert, ‘60 116 Lincoln Rd., Lincoln, MA 01773 978-505-0966 Social Worker of K-5th grade in Roxbury, MA; blue grass musician; performing; skiing; tennis; abstract painting; travel; making silver jewelry; wrapping rocks and geodes. I still mention Peninsula School as having had the greatest impact upon my choices in my life, my selfesteem and how to learn. Learning became exciting under Alan Strain and Ed Cormack. Nancy Abrams Eilbert We camped out at Death Valley and Alan taught us about the stars one night. I also learned about parallel lines going on to infinity from Alan Strain. The comfort I felt at Peninsula, my interest in other people, and in what I wanted to learn and how to learn it influenced my way of looking at the poor, the motivated and saving the environment. Peninsula School was an amazing experience in my life. David Furst ‘60 [email protected] I finished my MEd and PhD degrees at Penn State, taught at Southern Illinois University and then for 20 years at San Jose State, where I retired 3 years ago. I became a distance runner soon after I left Peninsula School and I still run 50+ years later. My “Claim to Fame” is winning the 50+ age division at the 10K Cross Country National Championships in 1996. Catherine Gordon Jones, ‘60 9 Paseo del Paisano, Santa Fe, NM 87506. After 50 years I still hold the educational experience I had at Peninsula as a model. It proved to be the foundation for my life’s work as an Catherine Gordon Jones educator and therapist. I hope to visit California and attend the reunion in May. Thank you for keeping us all connected through these events. Stephanie Barrett, ‘70 [email protected] Over the last 20 years, my family and I have lived on all three coasts. After leaving the Bay Area we lived in Austin, TX, Eugene, OR and Baltimore, MD. I have been involved with La Leche League, Austin Organic Gardeners and have helped to create a Community Library. I have raised three wonderfully dynamic children (now 21, 19 and 16); two are at Rice University and one is in High School. And yes, they are all much taller than I am. I have also worked in the computer games industry, music industry and in community and internet radio, most recently as Assistant Editor/Producer. Alison Forrest, ‘70 [email protected] I live with my husband Bart in a small house in the Vermont woods. Sam comes home on college breaks. I work in the local elementary school (pre-K - 4th), managing the hot lunch program; menu planning, cooking, serving and washing dishes. I have a weaving studio in the Town of Huntington, where I teach after school classes for kids. Thank you Peninsula! I still love dancing, picnics, and riding the train across the Alison and her son, Sam Howe country. Vermont is great, but I wish I could go barefoot more than four months a year. Wendy Kasle, ‘70 Wendy2047@ sbcglobal.net I took a cruise to the Caribbean in 2008 with a group on the Freedom of the Seas, and I loved it. I am looking forward to seeing all of you at the Fair. Wendy Kasle -7- Katie Nitzberg, ‘70 18630 Snowy Plover, Anchorage, AK 99516 [email protected] Geologist. I look back fondly at my Peninsula days. As I watch my children grow and learn at a similar philosophy elementary school, I hope they will gain the confidence Peninsula instilled in me. Lynne Winslow, ‘70 Event Producer [email protected] I have had an event planning business in San Francisco for 25 years. We specialize in nonprofits. I am also on the Board of San Francisco Arts Education Project. My work is pretty consuming, but I do find some time for a little theater, film and gardening. Jennifer Harris ‘80 826 19th Ave., Seattle, WA 98122 206-930-7941 / [email protected] Occupation: Ombudsman/Legal Analyst, Governor’s Office of the Education Ombudsman, Washington State; Partner: Jonathan Palmer; Education: B.A. Oberlin College; M.P.A. University of Washington School of Public Affairs J.D. University of Wash- Jennifer Harris ington, School of Law. I hope to get down for some kind of reunion get together. It’s been great reconnecting with people on Facebook. Especially nice now that I’ve been living in Seattle for 15 years and don’t have many opportunities to bump into people around town. I’m working on an interesting new project in Washington state, a K-12 ombudsman office focused on promoting family involvement and conflict resolution between families and the public school system. Truly, most everything I understand about this, I learned at Peninsula—my memories of Peninsula as a strong community, with involved parents, respect for students, appreciation for diversity of people and learning styles, and the cultivation of communication and relationships to support all this—it’s in my thoughts every day as I work with families and educators who are PENINSULA SCHOOL · SPRING 2010 trying to make this happen amidst the stress and challenges of public education. Thirty years later my Peninsula experience continues to sustain me out there, so I wanted to share my ongoing gratitude for this, as these decades fly by. Otherwise, enjoying life in Seattle— cooking, gardening, experiencing the city and mountains here—and getting away for forgeign travel as often as we can. If you are in the neighborhood, get in touch. Heather Allen Pang, ‘80 847 15th Ave., Menlo Park, CA 94025 650-566-8450 / [email protected] Current Occupation: History Teacher, Castilleja School; Spouse: Alex Soojung-Kim Pang; Children: Elizabeth (11) and Daniel (8); Education: PhD in History from UC Davis Although it has been 30 years since we graduated, I feel more connected to Peninsula than ever, since both my children are here now. I am so much enjoying remembering our years there as my children have their own wonderful experiences around the rope swings, puddles, edging, activities, and of course in the classHeather Allen Pang (r) and Alex Pang rooms. Recently I have taken up running, with the help of Team in Training mentor Michele Wheeler (‘81), and in October I ran the Nike Women’s Marathon in San Francisco. I am slow, but I finish! I still enjoy teaching American history at Castilleja School in Palo Alto. Chris Pearson, ‘80 725 Park Way, Santa Cruz, CA 95065 831-469-4499 / [email protected] family activities. 2010 marks many personal anniversaries: 5 years working at West Marine; 10 years living in Santa Cruz; 15 years of marriage to Susan; 30 years since graduating from Peninsula. Looking forward to seeing you all at the Spring Fair. Victoria Schlesinger, ‘85 Journalist [email protected] After five great years in New York City, I returned to the Bay Area in August with my fiance, David. We married in September and are now living in San Francisco within blocks of two other ‘85 graduates. Haakon Faste, ‘90 90 Peter Coutts Circle, Stanford, CA 94305 650-856-8679 / [email protected] Hi everyone, I just finished my PhD in Perceptual Robotics in Pisa, Italy, just a few blocks away from the leaning tower! Happy to be back in the U.S.A., and California in particular. Look forward to seeing you! Haakon Faste www.haakonfaste.com Paki Muthig, ‘90 3840 Rhoda Ave., Oakland, CA 94602 650-868-4185 / [email protected] Architect; CALPoly Pomona, Bachelor of Architecture; minor in Regenerative Studies Paki Muthig Jeremy Thompson, ‘92 Chris Pearson and family Marketing Director, West Marine; Wife: Susan; Children: Paige, 12 and Brooke, 8; Education: Wesleyan, B.A.; Santa Clara Univ., MBA; Hobbies: Garden railroading, biking, [email protected] I am not sure if I really count as part of the class of ‘92, as I didn’t graduate, but Peninsula will always be a part of me. Every time I make it back to Menlo Park I make a point to walk through the grounds. Jeremy Thompson -8- As for bio, I graduated from the Colorado School of Mines with an Engineering degree with a Mechanical specialty. I work for Lockheed Martin on the Orion Program. The Orion is the man-rated vehicle designed to replace the Space Shuttle. Brian Adams, ‘00 I graduated from Hampshire College in 2008 with a B.A. in Comparative Literature. For the past two years I’ve worked at Peninsula as the Upper School Assistant. Peninsula has always meant so much to me and it is wonderful to Brian Adams be back at the school, working with some of the very same teachers I had as a student here. There is truly no other place like Peninsula. Zak Forrest, ‘00 zakforrest@yahoo,com UC Santa Cruz, BA in Psychology. I am living in Oakland and working as an ABA therapist with autistic children. I spend my spare time rock climbing, playing tennis and am looking forward to warmer weather and going back to school to pursue a graduate degree in psychology. Zak Forrest Jeremy Mineau, ‘00 A year ago, I graduated from the Univ. of Washington with a degree in Environmental Science. During my time there, I ran cross-country and worked on the UW’s urban farm. Since graduation, I worked for an urban farming company in Seattle and for a kayak outJeremy Mineau fitter in Whittier, AK. I’ll be spending this season on a vegetable farm in Nevada City, CA. I’ve been with my Continued on back cover PENINSULA SCHOOL · SPRING 2010 Thank You for Your Kind Gifts Below is a list of all members of our community – current parents, board, staff members, students, alumni, grandparents, alumni parents, friends, community partners and matching programs - who have contributed to Peninsula during the past fiscal year. These gifts make the running of the school possible, and allow us to focus on our mission of creating a joyous place to learn and grow, where students can come into themselves and give back to their world. We want to extend an extra special thank you to all of our current families for helping us reach a record-breaking 100% participation in this year’s Annual Giving Campaign. NNUAL GIVING CAMPAIGN A Anonymous Mark & Susan Abramson Denise & Ivan Adams Nan Affleck Hardt & Steve Hardt Lorna & Glenn Affleck Cesar & Hildy Agustin Sarah Aitken Katherine & Kim Aitken-Young Elizabeth Aitken Rhoda Alexander Craig & Diane Allen John & Susan Allen Nancy & Noel Allen Bill Allen Richard Alter & Merry Gilmer Tina & Craig Anderson Carolyn Arbuckle & Jim Eggemeyer Sue & Stuart Auchincloss Del & Gale Bach Karen & Skip Bacon Amy & George Baggott Nick Baggott & Tracy Desmond Mitchell Baker & Casey Dunn Debbie Baldwin Nina Baller Lobban Scott & Cyan Banister Stephanie Barnston Koutsaftis Hathaway Barry Angel & Rick Batt Bob & Robbie Baxter Duane Bay Roger & Sharon Bechtold Mark & Marianne Ben-Jamin Kathleen Bennett & Tom Malloy Frances Bennion Renee Berenson & Dek Ketchum Bronwyn Black & Craig McCroskey Gail Blackmarr Aleta & Dan Bloch Owl & Janis Blossom Gertrude Bock Jane & Christopher Botsford Thomas Boussie & Lori Gortner Marion Bowers Newton Amy Bowers & Jim Hamilton Kaarli & Gil Bowers Sarah Breckenridge Holden Brink Ken Brisebois & Jennifer Geddes Sue Brown & Bill Hamburgen Andrew & Susan Browne Randal Buck Teresa & Michael Bugella Sanjay Bulchandani & Akiko Bristol Christopher & Celia Ann Buma Burdick Gail & Bob Buschini Molly Canan Sarah Caplan & Russell Fong Sandy & Susan Carnahan Melanie & Tovy Carvalho Stephanie Casal Liz & David Caulkins Park Chamberlain Abby & Eugene Chen Enid & Walter Ching Eugene Ching & Stacy Day Stephanie Choi-Freeman & Jeffrey Freeman Nancy & David Christie Jocelyn Cloutier & Caroline Simard Phyllis Cole & Lee Yamada Pat & Miles Congress Rachel Congress Lisa & Jamie Conrad Bob & Kellie Coombs Amy Cortez-Peters Martha Cortez Judith Cosgrove Russell & Chwinn Cosgrove Pixie Couch Denise Craik Williams Janet & John Creelman Peggy Creelman Rosemary & Neil Criste-Baldwin Gordon & Carol Cruikshank Reese & Kathleen Cutler Abbas Daeenabi & Souroor Milani Karla & Scott Dailey Katy & Ron Dalgleish Ann Davidson Allison Davis Jeff Davis Jennifer & Jose de Castro Karen & Ronaldo de Sa Andrea de Wit & Armando Castellano Annelene Decaux Brian Di Silvestro & Rozanne Hermelyn Joseph Dien Elaine & Robert Dodd Joan Dondero Rachel Dondero Sebastian Doniach Darin Donovan & Belinda Chlouber Stacy Dryer & Jim Conlon Jennifer & Kenneth Duda Richard & Jean Duda Skip Duncan Susie Dunn Peter Eichorn Janet Elliot Seth Elliot Dennis Elliott & Anne Schnoebelen Siobhan Ellis & Andy Miller Ann Elsbach Laurie Emerson Barber & Bryan Barber Susan Emsley & Jeremy Shaw Jennifer Encinas Kate Engelberg Russ & Alice Evarts Dorothy & Jim Fadiman Renee Fadiman & Chris Dryer Nathan Fahrenthold & Joan Jenkins Patricia & Mike Fahrenthold Andy Fenselau & Suzanne Koch Charmaine Fernandez Elizabeth Few & Roger MacFarlane David & Jennifer Fisher Lizzie & Eric Fong Florrie & Tom Forrest Barbara & Paul Fourt Bill & Virginia Fowkes Horacio Franco & Monica Sarmiento Don Frazier Andrea Frederick & Alan DeWitt Michael Fredrickson Jordana & Andrew Freeman Laurie Friedman Carol & David Friend John Fuller Natalie & Peter Fulton Linda & Maurice Furness Elango Ganesan & Saigeetha Sundaramurthy Andromeda & Rob Garcelon David Garvin Adam Gersick & Alisa Borrone Trupti & David Glaubman Abe Goetz Sam & Chrissy Goewey Elizabeth Goodrich Chamberlain Dianne Greenley Chris Greenwood & Cheryl Goldfarb-Greenwood Ann & Peter Gregory Jennifer Gregory & Brian Strope Daniel Griffin & Robin Garthwait Pat Griscom Merrill Gruver & Ted Greenwald Erick Hachenburg & Lisa Olson Norman & Jane Hall Toy Bruce & Kim Hall David Harlow & Pauline Lord Megan Harlow Daniel Harrington & Kara Juneau Patrick Harshman & Patricia McBrayer Catlin Hart Megan Hart Garth Harwood & Kathy Alberts Erica Hayward Jerry Hearn & Rebecca Reynolds Alfred Heller Rocio Herbert Shubha Herlekar & Jason Kipnis Steve & Flavia Herrod Martha & Hoyt Hickman Stephen Hickman & Karen Garrison Raphael Higashi Loren Hill Colin Hislop & Lindee Burton Mary Hofstedt Tom & Sharon Hofstedt Jacki Holzman Jim Holzman Heather Hoppas Faith Hornbacher Megana & Jinnah Hosein Chyerl Hoshida & David Dunham -9- Frank & Clara Hoshida Rand Huebsch Bob & Barbara Jackson Christie Johnson Gurney Deborah & Spencer Johnson Graceann & Bob Johnson Doug & Eva Jones Wendy & Brad Justus Lauren Kahn Danny & Cathy Kalt Harbrinder & Surinder Kang Robert & Stephanie Kashima John Kates Alice & Bob Kauer Barry & Sofia Keane Chula Keyes Morel-Seytoux & Hubert Seytoux Mary Lea Kirven & Busy Burr Peter Klein Martha & Peter Klopfer Lida Klosterman Ellen & Tom Konnert Kathy & Doug Koo Mikel & Sandi Kovach-Long Serafina Krag & Peter Bruun Neill & Pamela Kramer Julie Kriegler & Sarah Burdge Mary Lou Lacina Tashana Landray & Angus Maclane Barbara & Rick Langeloh Pam Law R. Hewlett & Elizabeth Lee Nancy Leech Leslie Leland Phillip Leslie & Christina Mills Steve & Barbara Levy Sara & Ken Lewis Beng-Hong Lim & Angela Chang Betty Lockfeld Kathi & Richard Lohmann Gillian Lounsbach & John Martin Camerina Lozano-Aceves Stephen Lubin Theresa & John Luevano Lidia Luna & Luis Sanchez Chip & Kathi Lutton Mary Lyons Mesirow Heather Macbeath & Paul Glendenning Lori & Andrew MacKenzie Peter Mangione & Mimi Sabo Robin Mankey & Damon Miller Christopher & Jane Manning Daniel Marcus Norman & Jeffra Marcus Kathy & Anthony Marek Jane Martin Judy Martin Rick & Tamara Martinez Kyle Mashima & Nancy Olbers Susan & Jim Matheson Scott & Tomi Matthews Robin McCloskey & Casey Hartman PENINSULA SCHOOL · SPRING 2010 Julia & Kevin McDonald Bryan McMahon & Beth Ross Colleen McPeek & Ron Bechtold Janet & Malcolm McWhorter Phyllis Menefee Richard Merk Misha Merrill & Keith Wescourt Paul & Jody Merritt Pari & Henry Milani Wendell Milburn Andy Miller & Sybil Hudson Faga & Taputimu Misa Jake Moffat & Beth DuBose Evelyn Moore & Robert Bleeker Devon & Dan Morehead Pat & Wayne Morehead Stephen & Heather Morrell Elly Moses Cannon & Brian Cannon Mary Lou Moses Dania Moss Marcelo Mourier & Michele Floyd Sharon & Robert Mueller Francisco & Lisa Muniz Richard Murphy & Janesta Noland Yoko & Sterling Nakamura Elisa Neipp & Rich Rava Peter & Liz Neumann Alice Newton & Danny Meehan Anton Nguyen & Chi Vo Bill Nichols Julianne & Alan Nolet Linda Norton David & Patti Notter Chris O’Hare & Ted Hardie Larry & Joy O’Rourke Joanna & David Oshman Janet & Tom Owen Vergilia Paasche Dakin Daniel & Jodi Paley Heather & Alex Pang Isabelle & Joshua Parker Michael Pauker & Lauren Silver Barbie Paulsen & Bart Smaalders Barbara & Bob Pedersen Eduardo Pelegri-Llopart & Vicki O’Day Ronnie Perkins Connell Herbert & Frances Perkins Karen Perkins & David Simone Candace Pierce Keyly Pierson Mourier & Michael Schaeffer Evie & John Plankinton Michael & Sausha Polentz Howard Pollack & Hope Hudson Eric Ponteri & Jane Anderson Kimberly & Kevin Postlewaite Scott Pyne & Suzanne Padgett David Quinn & Sharie Kumaishi Camerino Quinonez & Hilda Diaz Dina Ramm & Dan Zigmond Chad Raphael & Betty Achinstein Erik Rauch & Jennie Cosgrove Loren Rauch Sheri Renison Valerie Rice & Bill Prainito Martha & BJ Rock Betsy Roeth Marc Rosaaen David Rosenbaum & Katerina Demeti Eva Rosenbaum Julie Rosenthal Obbard Doris Rosenthal Jason & Nancy Rosenthal David Rowe & Terri Tacy Joe Ruck & Donna Ito Gerard Rudisin & Andrea Fabrega Carlos Ruiz Constance Rylance Merrylen Sacks & Bruce Irvine Kurt & Kim Salloux Jemele Sanderson Josie Saracino Mark Sausville & Marian Bach Jonathan Scharfman Ingrid Schenck Beach Chloe Scott Matthew Self & Natasha Skok Liane Sharp Fuccio & Michael Fuccio Irene Sharp & George Szentirmai Stephen Shaw, Ph. D. Bernard Silber & Kathleen Silber Jane Silver Carlisle Vikram Singh & Dilshika Jayamaha Vinita & Amar Singh Sandy Sloan & Eric Richert Gail Slocum & Jordan Gruber Mitch Slomiak & Linda Herreshoff Alaina & David Sloo Chris & Edie Smith Conniekay Smith Louise Snowden Debbie Soglin & Daniel Appelman Jane Sokolow David & Melissa Solnick Ann Sonnenberg Gail Sredanovic Atul Srinivasan & Leslie Johnson Misty & David Stam Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Stapleton Dimitris Stassinopoulos & Ellen Wilkinson Sylvie Stefant & David Tucker Steve Steier & Anne Marie Nowak Michael Steinberg Maren Stever & Sef Kloninger Elisabeth Stitt & Bala Padmakumar Kassie & Luke Stone Kristy & Chris Stone Sallie & Leigh Stone Stephen Storey Tibby Storey Larry & Elizabeth Strain Susan & Nicholas Szegda April & Michael Takatsuno Molly & Jorge Tapias Zu Tarazi & Kristi Borrone Sallie & Bob Tasto Eliza & Chris Thomas Illia Thompson & Malina Anderson Dawn Thrall Chris Titus & Bob Vale Nelson Tordilla & Gemma Guillermo Tammy & Joel Truher David & Alisa Tu Klara Turner Masatoshi & Izumi Ueno Whitney & Dirk van Nouhuys Rick & Eileen Van Rheenen John Van Sciver Sidney Varian Scott Ramesh Vasudevan & Vyjayanti Sharma Lauren & Mike Velasco Terry & Susan Ver Haar Lucille Vitolo Dacanay & Ray Dacanay Linda & Sandy Wagner Lori Wainen-Linberg Ann Waldo Carl Waldspurger & Paige Parsons Bardy & Scott Wallace Miggles Wallace Don Walsh David Walters Debra Wanner Fred Wee & Cindy Lee Annalisa Weller & Chris Coyle Albert Wenzell & Marian Hudson Michele & Mark Wheeler Sam Wilds Phyllis & Robert Wiley Don Wilhelm Cathy Willett Carol & Ray Williams Lauren & Austin Williams Douglas & Nasreen Wills Mark Wilson & Debbie Dalzell Jim & Barbara Wolpman Maureen & Michael Worry Mari Wright Dick Wycich & Maura Palmer Xiaomao Xiao & Jialing Huang Annie Young & Jim Dinwiddie Elizabeth Youngblood Gregory Youngblood Judith Zeitlin Frances & Emilio Zeller Stephanie Zeller & Vin Sharma Jesse Zimmer Jeff Zotz Holly & Mitchell Zuklie CORRPORATE & COMMUNITY DONORS Cisco Dymaxion Dance Group Epocrates, Inc. The Gap Foundation Google Intel Foundation Kepler’s Microsoft Pacific, Gas, & Electric Stellar Solutions Foundation Target Trillium Dental Village Stationers The William & Flora Hewlett Foundation PARTICIPATION CHALLENGE DONORS Anonymous Jennifer & Kenneth Duda Erick Hachenburg & Lisa Olson Howard Pollack & Hope Hudson Mark Wilson & Debbie Dalzell -10- BOARD OF TRUSTEES DONORS Jerry Hearn Steve & Flavia Herrod Mary Hofstedt Doug & Eva Jones Wendy & Brad Justus Mary Lea Kirven & Busy Burr Chip & Kathi Lutton Michael & Sausha Polentz Scott Pyne & Suzanne Padgett Eliza & Chris Thomas STAGE LIGHTING Anonymous Kathleen Bennett & Tom Malloy Christopher Fleischut & Marina Gorbis Sharmon Hilfinger & Luis Trabb-Pardo John Shippee 2009 CLASS GIFT FOR STAGE LIGHTING Katherine & Kim Aitken-Young Mark & Marianne Ben-Jamin Julian Cortella & Karen Grove Allison Davis Jeff Davis Darin Donovan & Belinda Chlouber Stacy Dryer & Jim Conlon Barry Eisenberg Renee Fadiman & Christopher Dryer Elizabeth Few & Roger MacFarlane Horacio Franco & Monica Sarmiento Ivan Godard Ronald Hansman & Catha Hall Garth Harwood & Kathy Alberts Laura King Peggy & Matt Klein Kathy & Doug Koo Peter Mangione & Mimi Sabo Teresa McCollough Marcelo Mourier & Michele Floyd Leann & Spencer Nassar Sherry & Nick Nikzat Keyly Pierson Mourier David Quinn & Sharie Kumaishi RAISE YOUR PADDLE FOR STAGE LIGHTING Denise & Ivan Adams Tina & Craig Anderson Amy & George Baggott Nick Baggott & Tracy Desmond Mitchell Baker & Casey Dunn Renee Berenson & Dek Ketchum Ken Brisebois & Jennifer Geddes Sanjay Bulchandani & Akiko Bristol Gail & Bob Buschini Jocelyn Cloutier & Caroline Simard Patricia & Miles Congress Rachel Congress Lisa & Jamie Conrad Jean & Michael Couch Katy & Ron Dalgleish Ann Davidson Jennifer & Jose de Castro Elizabeth Few & Roger MacFarlane Florrie & Tom Forrest Ann & Peter Gregory Bruce & Kim Hall Jerry Hearn & Rebecca Reynolds Stephen Hickman & Karen Garrison Mary Hofstedt Graceann & Bob Johnson Doug & Eva Jones Wendy & Brad Justus Mary Lea Kirven & Busy Burr Kathy & Doug Koo Mary Lou Lacina Leslie Leland Beng-Hong Lim & Angela Chang Gillian Lounsbach & John Martin Theresa & John Luevano Chip & Kathi Lutton Robin Mankey & Damon Miller PENINSULA SCHOOL · SPRING 2010 Christopher & Jane Manning Robin McCloskey & Casey Hartman Colleen McPeek & Ron Bechtold Paul & Jody Merritt Jake Moffat & Beth DuBose Devon & Dan Morehead Marcelo Mourier & Michele Floyd Richard Murphy & Janesta Noland Leann & Spencer Nassar Elisa Neipp & Rich Rava Janet & Tom Owen Barbie Paulsen & Bart Smaalders Barbara & Bob Pedersen Michael & Sausha Polentz Howard Pollack & Hope Hudson Eric Ponteri & Jane Anderson Kimberly & Kevin Postlewaite Marty & Joy Pulvers Scott Pyne & Suzanne Padgett David Quinn & Sharie Kumaishi Dina Ramm & Dan Zigmond Martha & BJ Rock David Rosenbaum & Katerina Demeti Jason & Nancy Rosenthal David Rowe & Terri Tacy Constance Rylance Mitch Slomiak & Linda Herreshoff Steve Steier & Anne Marie Nowak Zu Tarazi & Kristi Borrone Tammy & Joel Truher David & Alisa Tu Rick & Eileen Van Rheenen Lauren & Mike Velasco Linda & Sandy Wagner Carl Waldspurger & Paige Parsons Michele & Mark Wheeler Sam Wilds Douglas & Nasreen Wills Maureen & Michael Worry Annie Young & James Dinwiddie SPECIAL GIFTS Alcario & Carmen Castellano Alison Elliott & Steven Blank John Shippee CRAFT FAIR 2009 UNDERWRITING Anonymous Jonathan Scharfman AUCTION 2010 UNDERWRITING & SUPPORT Anonymous Cesar & Hildy Agustin Tina & Craig Anderson Amy & George Baggott Nick Baggott & Tracy Desmond Mitchell Baker & Casey Dunn Ken Brisebois & Jennifer Geddes Sanjay Bulchandani & Akiko Bristol Jocelyn Cloutier & Caroline Simard Pat & Miles Congress Jean & Michael Couch Allison Davis Annelene Decaux Lizzie & Eric Fong Ann & Peter Gregory Pippin Griscom Jerry Hearn & Rebecca Reynolds Stephen Hickman & Karen Garrison Doug & Eva Jones Wendy & Brad Justus Danny & Cathy Kalt Mary Lea Kirven & Busy Burr Theresa & John Luevano Christopher & Jane Manning Jake Moffat & Beth DuBose Marcelo Mourier & Michele Floyd Joanna & David Oshman Janet & Tom Owen Eric Ponteri & Jane Anderson Martha & BJ Rock Constance Rylance Kurt & Kim Salloux Mark Sausville & Marian Bach Gail Slocum & Jordan Gruber Steve Steier & Anne Marie Nowak Maren Stever & Sef Kloninger Kassie & Luke Stone Tammy & Joel Truher Lauren & Mike Velasco Carl Waldspurger & Paige Parsons Michele & Mark Wheeler Lauren & Austin Williams Mark Wilson & Debbie Dalzell Holly & Mitchell Zuklie In honor of Camille & Madeline Thrall Felipa & Robert Wiley In memory of Woody Nichols Bill Nichols In honor of their children, Michele Wheeler & Toby Buschini Gail & Bob Buschini In memory of Fred Sonnenberg Janet & Malcolm McWhorter In memory of Joe Starr Jim Holzman In memory of Ruth T. Storey Tibby Storey In memory of Werner Warmbrum Malina Anderson Stephen Storey Illia Thompson In memory of Tom Willett Cathy Willett In memory of Barney & Ethel Young Ann Davidson Annie Young & James Dinwiddie In memory of Stacey Zonka Carol & David Friend Neill & Pamela Kramer In honor of Gail Buschini’s birthday Debbie Baldwin In honor of their grandson, Imahn Daeenabi Pari & Henry Milani GIFT IN KIND DONATIONS Anonymous Susan & Jaia Abramson Garth Harwood & Kathy Alberts Mary Lea Kirven & Busy Burr Elisa Neipp & Rich Rava Mark Sausville & Marian Bach Tammy & Joel Truher Melissa Vaarzon Morel Rick & Eileen Van Rheenen Michele & Mark Wheeler In honor of his grandson, Leo Davis Abe Goetz In honor of her daughters, Gayatri Eassey & Lakshmi Eassey Josie Saracino In honor of Jacob Greenwood Evelyn Moore & Robert Bleeker HONOR & MEMORIAL GIFTS In memory of Richard Eliot Blackwelder Richard T. Merk In memory of Richard Johnson Christie Johnson Gurney In memory of Lincoln Moses Elly Moses In memory of Bernard Silber Molly Canan THE ARCHIVE FUND John Shippee In memory of Lana Caffey Hayward Erica Hayward In honor of Mr. & Mrs. T.C. Stapleton Louise Stapleton Snowden In memory of Evan Rauch Brian Korek SPRING FAIR 2010 UNDERWRITING Siobhan Ellis & Andy Miller Jake Moffat & Beth DuBose Elisa Neipp & Rich Rava Kassie & Luke Stone Mark Wilson & Debbie Dalzell In memory of Jose Castellanos Pixie Couch In memory of Jean Moses Elly Moses In honor of Stu Harwood Garth Harwood & Kathy Alberts In honor of their daughter, George Hosein Megana & Jinnah Hosein In honor of Renee Klosterman Tina & Craig Anderson In honor of Zoe Rose Kriegler-Wenk’s graduation Julie Kriegler In memory of Kalvin Kahn Lauren Kahn In honor of Anton McPeek-Bechtold Roger & Sharon Bechtold Colleen McPeek & Ron Bechtold In memory of Tirza Kaplan Betsy Roeth In honor of Seipua Misa’s first year Faga & Taputimu Misa In memory of Natalie Goetz Allison Davis In honor Reene Paley Natalie & Peter Fulton In memory of Marty Marcus Denise Craik Williams Peggy Creelman Norman Marcus In honor of Jason & Andrew Rosenthal, and Julie Rosenthal Obbard Doris Rosenthal In honor of Jean Slocum Gail Slocum -11- In honor of Sadie Williams Ann Sonnenberg In honor of Megan Worry Colleen McPeek & Ron Bechtold SUE VARIAN MEMORIAL GIFTS Nancy & Noel Allen Barbara Anderson Sue’s Friday Book Group (to the Library) Katy & Ron Dalgleish Laurie Emerson Barber & Bryan Barber Julia Emerson Florrie & Tom Forrest Leonard & Cheryl Ginzton William & Natalie Graham Jane Ingalls Graceann & Bob Johnson John & Bonita Katzenellenblogen Diane & Will Kauffman Mary Lou Lacina Marjorie & David Lowry Bonnie McGuinness Misha Merrill & Keith Wescourt Sue & Brian Moore Alice Newton & Danny Meehan Sharon & Don Niederhaus Sandy Sloan & Eric Richert Sallie & Bob Tasto Holly & Mitchell Zuklie PENINSULA PARTNERS FOR THE FUTURE We would like to thank our partners who gave their final gift to the Peninsula Partners for the Future Campaign, Teacher Succession, during this year. Kendra Armer & Chris Dorger Steven Blank & Alison Elliott Liz & David Caulkins Julian Cortella & Karen Grove Stacy Dryer & Jim Conlon Andromeda & Rob Garcelon Mary Lea Kirven & Busy Burr Philip Lee Peter Mangione & Mimi Sabo Susan & Jim Matheson Scott Pyne & Suzanne Padgett David Quinn & Sharie Kumaishi Rebecca Reynolds Beth & Peter Rosenthal The donors listed above include those who gave between July 1, 2009 and May 10, 2010. If we have inadvertently omitted your name from our donor lists, accept our apologies and please let us know. PENINSULA SCHOOL · SPRING 2010 Non-Profit O r g a n i z a t i o n U.S. Po s t a g e PA I D Per mit N o. 1 0 6 Menlo Pa r k , C A PENINSULA SCHOOL 9 2 0 PE N I N S U L A WAY, M ENLO PARK, CA 94025 Address Ser vice Re q u e s t e d M AKING HISTORY WITH ANNUAL GIVING For the first time in the history of Peninsula School, 100% of our current students’ families have “jumped in” to support our Annual Giving Campaign! Very few schools can boast such an accomplishment during the best of economies, let alone during what has been such a challenging economic climate. This is, by far, the highest participation we’ve ever had from our current families and an impressive 10% over our final participation total from last year. We are extremely grateful to have such a dedicated group of parents supporting the hard work of our teachers and the mission of our school. Although dollar totals are still down somewhat compared to previous years, you can still help the school reach its financial goal. If you’d like to make a gift and help keep Peninsula vibrant and strong, please feel free to use the enclosed remittance envelope or go to our web site to make a payment online at www.peninsulaschool.org. Thanks in advance for your support. ALUMNI NOTES Continued from page 8 lovely girlfriend, Megan, for a year and a half and we have two awesome dogs. I’m hoping to catch up with folks—new and old—at the Fair in May! Tori Tsu, ‘00 650.248.7612 / [email protected] Current occupation: Online Sales Manager at Recchiuti Confections (www.recchiuti.com). After graduating UCSB (’08) with a major in English Lit and minor in Italian, I moved back to the Bay Area and worked in marketing for Joie de Vivre Hospitality, California’s largest boutique hotelier. After leaving JDV, I freelanced (editing and writing) for Diablo Custom Publishing in Walnut Creek (working on a variety of publications ranging from sports publications, to tech, lifestyle, and medical journals). I then joined the team at Recchiuti Confections, a local artisan San Francisco chocolatier, where I have been fortunate to move quickly from retail to online sales management, where I am currently working. Outside of work I live with my Tori Tsu and boyfriend wonderful boyfriend, brew beer, frequent farmers’ markets, write a food blog (thefuriousepicurious. blogspot.com), cook as much as possible, and spend my time enjoying living in SF! My favorite memories of Peninsula, big puddle aside, are from teaching summer school, especially the cooking class held at Maida’s [old kindergarten] and the bake sales the kids put on! If you would like additional copies of News Notes sent to family members or friends, please send us their names and addresses and we’ll be happy to add them to our mailing list. If for any reason you would like to be removed from our mailing list, let us know and we’ll discontinue our mailings to you. Please contact Florrie at [email protected] for more information about any of the articles. Editor: Florrie Forrest • Writers: Florrie Forrest, K aty Dalgleish, Stacy Dryer, contributing alumni Photos: Peninsula School Archives • Design : Sarah Caplan Printed on recycled paper with soy-based inks